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2 September 2016
In memory of IDF Brigadier General Binyamin “Fuad” Ben-Eliezer, A”H, who was born in Basra, Iraq
Analysis: Binyamin Ben-Eliezer, a tragedy in three acts” 
By Amotz Asa-El, The Jerusalem Post
 
Leaving Iraq at the tender age of fourteen, Binyamin “Fuad” Ben-Eliezer, A”H, made a name for himself in the young state of Israel as an IDF commander. He then ascended the political ladder, initially aiming “to close social gaps between Israelis of European and Middle Eastern backgrounds,” and later serving as leader of the Labor party and Defense Minister in the government of Ariel Sharon. Recently a candidate for president, he dropped out of the race due to accusations of financial corruption. Ben-Eliezer passed away this week at the age of 80.
Binyamin “Fuad” Ben-Eliezer speaking at the Knesset, Jerusalem, Israel
(Photo courtesy of T.O.T)

Congregants gather at the only synagogue, which is housed in the backroom of a mattress shop, Iquitos, Peru
(Photo courtesy of Ryan Schuessler/The Guardian
Dwindling Amazon Jewish community keeps faith despite religious exodus
By Ryan Schuessler, The Guardian

Moroccan Jews began immigrating to the Peruvian city of Iquitos around 1870 following a boom in the rubber trade. When the bust arrived in the 1920’s, the community began to dwindle. A religious revival at the beginning of the 21st century ultimately, and ironically, undermined communal life, as many local Jews decided to leave for Israel. Today another small-scale spiritual revival is underway, but this time the locals want to remain: “We want the community to continue… There has been a community for more than a century.
Feature of the Week: Yedid Nefesh (“My Soul’s Beloved”)
 

Maimon “Meni” Cohen (Photo courtesy of Andalusit)
 
Maimon “Meni” Cohen performs a Moroccan version of R’ Elazar Azkari’s classic 16th century piyyut, Yedid Nefesh (“My Soul’s Beloved”).
In first, short story on Ethiopian Jewry added to national literature curriculum
By The Times of Israel
 
The Biton Committee’s recommendation to teach Ethiopian literature in Israeli schools will be implemented this upcoming year as Dr. Germaw Mengistu’s short-story, “A Dream at the Price of Honor,” is going to be taught in Israeli junior high and high schools. “This is the first time that Israeli children will discover the cultural heritage written by a Jew from Ethiopia," according to Mengistu, “This story is a historical snapshot, the immigration of Ethiopian Jews.”

Dr. Germaw Mengistu
(Photo courtesy of The Times of Israel)
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Upcoming Events:



Call for Art: Homelands
Deadline: 7 October 2016

ASF is co-sponsoring Homelands, a proposed exhibit at the next Jerusalem Biennale (October 2017). Multiple artists will “reflect on one of the defining moments of the last century: the disbanding of the Jewish communities of the Muslim world.” Curated by Meira Balas, PhD and Organized by Lenore Mizrahi-Cohen. For additional details and to submit artwork click here.



Portugal, The Last Hope: Sousa Mendes’ Visas for Freedom

April 7th through September 9th
Center for Jewish History 
15 West 16th Street
New York City

The American Sephardi Federation, Portuguese Consulate of New York, the Sousa Mendes Foundation, and the Municipality of Almeida, Portugal proudly present an exhibition in the Leon Levy Gallery honoring Aristides de Sousa Mendes, the courageous and creative Portuguese diplomat who saved Salvador Dali, the authors of Curious George, and thousands of other Holocaust refugees.
 

Please click here for additional information and viewing hours

 and your tax-deductible contribution will help ASF “Connect, Collect, and Celebrate” Sephardi culture throughout the year with engaging programs and compelling publications. 

Contact us by email or phone ((917) 606-8266) to learn about giving opportunities in honor or memory of loved ones. 

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The American Sephardi Federation's Sephardi House is located at the Center for Jewish History (15 West 16th St., New York, New York, 10011).

www.AmericanSephardi.org | info@Sephardi.House | (212) 548-4486

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